The Healthy People program recommends that adults get 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as walking) five times a week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (such as running) every week. It seems, however, that the majority of people still aren’t meeting these goals.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released its figures for the most and least fit metropolitan centers in America, and the results indicate that many people aren’t getting as much exercise as recommended by the Healthy People 2010 initiative.

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The medical breakthroughs that get reported in the media rarely end up being the miracle cures they’re often portrayed as. In 2008, however, there were several important advanced made in medical science that could have a significant impact on public health in years to come.

1. The question of whether organic food is good for you has finally been answered: A review of studies on nutrient content of organic fruits, vegetables, and grains has confirmed that these have up to 25% more nutrients than conventionally-grown produce.
2. Another long-held myth—about the efficacy of antibiotics for sinus infections—was also dispelled in 2008. Over the course of nine studies involving 2,500 participants, it was found that antibiotics didn’t significantly hasten recovery. According to allergist Neil L. Kao, MD, taking a decongestant or mucus thinner, along with a painkiller as needed, is just as beneficial.

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Surgery and a week-long hospital stay can equal a bill of tens of thousands of dollars. Even with insurance you can still end up paying several thousand in out-of-pocket expenses. Insurance companies typically negotiate with hospitals for lower bills – but most people don’t realize they can do that too.

Tips for Negotiating Health Care Bills

The first and most important step is simply asking. According to a survey from the Consumer Reports National Research Center, only 31% of Americans have tried to negotiate medical bills – but of those who did try, 93% were successful, and a full third saved over $100. When you apply this to the massive expense of a hospital stay, it could mean a very significant saving.

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Proposed health and health care changes on ballots all over the state haven’t received much press, either before or after the recent presidential election. But there are some important changes, even though they have been overshadowed by the election itself!

Abortion Limitations Defeated in All Three States

In California, Colorado, and South Dakota, propositions which would have limited the circumstances under which a woman could seek an abortion were defeated.

Children’s Health Insurance Approved in Montana

The Healthy Kids Plan Act was approved. This initiative approves the establishment of a health insurance plan for all uninsured children in Montana, estimated at around 37,000.

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In Spanish, the word for commercial is propaganda. But these drug commercials are pure comedy. Hold on to your health plan. Who knows when you might need a good hit of…

1. Zoloft

Originally introduced into the market as sertraline, this SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) is a popular anti-depressant. The drug hit a bit of a row in recent history largely because new research suggests that SSRIs have little to no effect on clinical depression, despite the high rates of use among those with health insurance.

2. Enzyte

This herbal alternative to prescription virility medication claims to promote “natural male enhancement,” but its founder Steve Warshak and, yes, his mother Harriet were found guilty of mail fraud and money laundering. Case closed on this wonder tablet. For those of you who bemoan the loss of this herbal super-drug, rumor has it that ginger works wonders.

3. Rozerem

The days of counting sheep are over. And Rozerem has captured the attention of its target audience with advertisements featuring Abraham Lincoln and — yes, you read this right — a talking beaver. Maybe the VP of marketing is from Oregon?

4. Celebrex

From rectal polyps to rheumatoid arthritis — is there anything this drug won’t do? The journey to our neighborhood pharmacy was long and arduous. Celebrex was originally developed by G.D. Searle, promoted by Monsanto, then Pfizer; after that, Monsanto merged with Pharmacia, whose medical research division was acquired by Pfizer. Celebrex is now in Pfizer’s hands, and with it a potential litany of controversial claims arising from its potential heart attack risks (but don’t worry, unless you’re a Celebrex pill popper, your heart should be a healthy ticker).

With the rising costs of gasoline and other consumer market products these days, individuals are searching for ways to save money all around. One such instance where saving money is a key factor is in the case of health care costs. Health care products and services can cost quite a bit of money for many individuals, whether they need such care only occasionally or on a constant basis. The good news is that there are ways to save money on health care costs and keep some money in your pocket for other necessities.

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The phrase “snake oil” originally referred to a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat joint pain. When it was popularized in the U.S., during the time of building the Transcontinental Railroad, patented medicine salesmen—angry at the fact that snake oil medicines were cutting into their profits—used the term pejoratively to refer to medicines that were sold by quacks.

The term snake oil then became a generic name for many of the future medicines marketed as panaceas or miraculous remedies. In reality the vast majority of these medicines were nothing more than the equivalent of sugar pills. Follow us on a journey as we take a look at some of history’s most charming snake oil labels.

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Remember the stories your grandparents told you about walking ten miles in the snow both ways? Eventually you learned to be skeptical. We’ve dug up some mythical old wives’ health stories ourselves, and put them under scrutiny. Truth is, a lot don’t hold water. Here are a few medical myths that we found to be as dusty as Pop’s old wing-tip loafers. It’s time put these relics on the shelf where they belong.

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